Over $6.3 million in improvements to London's Canada Games Aquatic Centre are complete, and the facility officially re-opened on Monday.

London Mayor Joni Baechler said in a statement, “The City of London is grateful for the funding received under the Federal Gas Tax Fund. This support from the Government of Canada made it possible for us to include enhancements and upgrades to this very popular facility, which our community will benefit from for years to come.”

Federal funding of $785,000 - with the balance for the multi-million dollar project provided by the city - was used to make a number of improvements to the 24-year-old facility, which has hosted over eight million users since it was built in the 1990s.

Among the upgrades:

  • new catwalk, competition lighting, UV water treatment, LED lighting and pool bulkheads
  • upgrades to heating, cooling and dehumidification systems and hydraulic floor
  • new paint and tile work

The changes are expected to help reduce energy usage at the centre by 41 per cent, making it a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly facility.